News in Thurrock

THURROCK-based South Essex Wildlife Hospital has had to deal with a rare and very dangerous visitor.

The hospital, at Orsett, was called to deal with a stowaway snake that arrived in the borough in a container.

THERE was a special celebration at Airey Neave Court in Grays today (Saturday, 16 October) to mark the 100th birthday of a woman who has spent all her life in the borough.

Fellow residents, staff, friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of Lilian Smith.

EMERGENCY service teams including firefighters were called to deal with a crash in the early hours of this morning (Saturday, 16 October) on the A13 close to the Orsett Cock roundabout.

The incident happened on the London-bound carriageway, in the roadworks, just after 1am. Orsett Cock roundabout is closed to all traffic because of the works which are part of the ongoing widening scheme.

IN the build up to the annual Karis Angel Ball, which will take place at Orsett Hall this evening (Saturday, 16 October) the foundation set up in memory of the much-missed and loved youngster has been sharing the stories of some of the borough's young people who have been honoured for their positive contributions to the local community.

The foundation was created following the death of Karis, from Corringham, aged just 12 in 2011 after she contracted a bug called Streptococcus.

A SERIES of virtual meetings are to take place across coming months to promote Thurrock Fostering service and the opportunities it offers for new or experienced carers to help change and shape the lives of children in need of support.

The virtual information sessions offer the opportunity to see a short presentation and chat with service staff about how they can engage with the Thurrock service. You don't need to live in the borough to be able to help.

BREAST screening is an essential tool in the fight against breast cancer, and – during Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a mobile breast screening unit has is announced it will be calling Lakeside regional shopping centre in West Thurrock its home for the next year and a half.

It means women from across the borough will now have less of a journey with the unit in an easy-to-access central location with free parking.

AFTER almost two years, because of the pandemic, Thurrock U3A managed to hold a celebration event recently and approximately 300 members attended.

Chairman Dave Angus said: "The event proved to be a great success and the committee are very proud of the result. As you will see from the photograph a good time was had by all.

TRIBUTES have been paid to south Essex MP Sir David Amess who died after being stabbed just after noon today (Friday, 15 October).

Sir David was meeting Southend West constituents at a regular surgery in Leigh-on-Sea

"A SLAP in the face for democracy and transparency and yet another embarrassment for a shambolic council".

Those were the words this morning after it was announced that yet more meetings of the authority have been scrapped.

SATURDAY will be a busy at at Thurrock RFC's Oakfields home.

All three men's sides are at home with the firsts welcoming Old Haberdashers to Oakfield for the first ever time. The 2nd XV host Eton Manor III and the Mongrels will host Runwell